Your trusted source for local Chicago, IL news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Chicago residents can compost their Halloween pumpkins at various Pumpkin Smash events this Saturday, promoting eco-friendly waste disposal. Participants are required to remove all decorations before bringing their pumpkins to designated locations, where they can either smash them or leave them for composting. This initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Logan Square's skate park renovation plans face a setback as state guidelines prohibit permanent structures. Park District officials are seeking community input again, emphasizing the need for modular equipment accessible for maintenance. Advocates express frustration over the limitations and management of the project.
The Gale Street Inn in Jefferson Park will reopen under new ownership in early December after closing in June. New owner Paulo Villabona aims to create a community-friendly environment while retaining classic menu items and incorporating live music. Most former staff will return, and existing gift cards will be honored.
93.9 LITE FM will begin its all-holiday music format at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, marking a later start than in previous years. The launch coincides with a contest offering a trip to Las Vegas to see Mariah Carey perform.
Michael Yoo and Jimmy Jung launched 82 Kimbap, a fast-casual eatery in Sterling Food Hall, serving Korean rice rolls. The duo, inspired by their craving for Korean comfort food, spent months perfecting their recipes before opening their stall. 82 Kimbap aims to provide a taste of home for the Asian American community in Chicago.
Wicker Park’s “Meet Me On Milwaukee” car-free events will return in 2026 after a successful pilot program this year. The events, which closed Milwaukee Avenue to traffic for several Sundays, attracted significantly increased foot traffic, benefiting local businesses. Organizers reported attendance tripled during the August event compared to last year.
Chicago restaurants provide free and discounted meals to families affected by the pause in SNAP funding, impacting around 2 million residents. Offers include free meals at various locations and discounted coupons for those in need. Local food pantries also ramp up efforts to support the community during this challenging time.
President Donald Trump stated that federal immigration agents in Chicago “haven’t gone far enough” in their enforcement actions during a “60 Minutes” interview. He defended the use of aggressive tactics, despite public outcry and incidents involving the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters. Local leaders continue to criticize these operations and seek peaceful resistance.
Three new restaurants are set to open in Bronzeville, including the Southern Southeast Asian eatery Dixie Pura, which recently celebrated its grand opening. Meanwhile, Turner Haus Brewery has paused its daily operations to focus on future plans after operating for nearly two years.
The City Council's zoning committee approved a cannabis dispensary near Wrigley Field and two apartment developments in Andersonville and East Garfield Park on Monday. The dispensary, set to open at 3650 N. Clark St., will be the closest to Wrigley Field, while the apartment projects aim to increase affordable housing in their respective neighborhoods.